wend·ing

This is a word I discovered recently and immediately appropriated as it describes, quite perfectly, the manner in which I explore life at various levels.

wend: go in a specified direction, typically slowly or by an indirect route.

For the past two years, I have wended my way from country to country, mountain to mountain, coworking space to coworking space. My specified direction is usually "Japanwards" and whatever city stops I can make on the way there that will break up flights into manageable durations.

I also wend as a means to experience a new location. I pick a spot on the map, roughly calculate how to get there, convince myself I've memorized the route, pocket my phone, and walk. Whatever happens along the way is a part of the wend. If I don't make it to the destination, so be it. If I do - of course I did, I'm very talented.

This is a great activity to do with my friends. This is not a great activity for my friends to do with me.

"You know where we're going, right?"

"Of course."

"Are we turning here?"

"Yeah, sure. This way looks good."

"Looks good? I thought you knew which way to go?"

"Just enjoy the scenery. This is the best way to learn a new area."

"We've been walking for a long time. I'm hungry."

"We should be there soon."

"Wait... which direction are we supposed to be walking?"

"Like north northeast. Well, more east than north. East northeast. Like 70% east and 30% north."

"..."

"Listen. It's about the journey not the destination. If you're uncomfortable with it why did you let me drag you here with me?"